More patients being mistreated in hospitals: Nurse's union
The Young Nurses Indaba Trade Union believes the video of a nurse shown ill-treating a bed-ridden patient at the St. Mary's Hospital in Mariannhill, outside Pinetown reflects the deterioration of the KZN healthcare system.
In the video, the nurse is depicted addressing the patient in a manner that does not convey empathy.
The patient was being changed but the curtain was not drawn - raising concerns of privacy.
The union says this has become the norm in many KZN hospitals.
Spokesperson, Lerato Madumo-Gova says the Department of Health must take responsibility.
"What we are seeing in that video is simply one incident but there is many other. What is important is - are we going to only be dealing with one person?," she says.
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The department released a statement this week saying it condemns the alleged conduct of the nurse.
Spokesperson, Sam Mkhwanazi says the nurse has been placed on precautionary suspension.
"Upon submitting a statement to management, the management of the hospital decided to put her on precautionary suspension pending the investigation of the matter," he says.